At the SEC's Kickoff '85 in Birmingham, Crimson Tide center Wes Neighbors predicts Alabama will be vastly improved over last year's disappointing 5-6 finish, the first losing season for Alabama since 1957. "We're tired of making excuses," says Neighbors. "It's payback time for Alabama." Neighbors joins head coach Ray Perkins and teammate Kerry Goode at the first SEC Kickoff function which replaces the old Skywriter's Tour.

When Alabama's 7-2-2 squad finished the year ranked No. 10, it marked the first time since 1952 UA had been listed among the nation's elite. Also, for the first time since the '53 team played in the Cotton Bowl, Alabama was back in the bowling business. A 7-0 loss to Perm State in the inaugural Liberty Bowl played in frigid conditions in Philadelphia hardly lessened the enthusiasm for a better decade to come.

Besides the loss to the Lions, Bama lost its season opener to Georgia. Ties to Vanderbilt and Tennessee were the only other blemishes on the slate. The most meaningful victory came when the Tide defeated Auburn 10-0, ending a streak of five straight Tiger wins. A 27-yard field goal by Tommy Brooker and a 27-yard pass from Bobby Skelton to Scooter Dyess proved to be the biggest two plays in this defensive struggle.

Guard Don Cochran's second team All-SEC selection for the second straight year made him the only player so chosen for Alabama.

For the decade Alabama was 50-48-10.
When Alabama's 7-2-2 squad finished the year ranked No. 10, it marked the first time since 1952 UA had been listed among the nation's elite. Also, for the first time since the '53 team played in the Cotton Bowl, Alabama was back in the bowling business. A 7-0 loss to Perm State in the inaugural Liberty Bowl played in frigid conditions in Philadelphia hardly lessened the enthusiasm for a better decade to come.
Besides the loss to the Lions, Bama lost its season opener to Georgia. Ties to Vanderbilt and Tennessee were the only other blemishes on the slate. The most meaningful victory came when the Tide defeated Auburn 10-0, ending a streak of five straight Tiger wins. A 27-yard field goal by Tommy Brooker and a 27-yard pass from Bobby Skelton to Scooter Dyess proved to be the biggest two plays in this defensive struggle.
Guard Don Cochran's second team All-SEC selection for the second straight year made him the only player so chosen for Alabama.
For the decade Alabama was 50-48-10.

Notes: After the first Liberty Bowl, Bryant took his team to New York City where Mel Allen hosted a dinner for the team, which was also attended by Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio.